Accommodating Intraocular Lenses

An accommodating intraocular lens (IOL) is associated with a dynamic increase in dioptric power with an effort to refocus from distance to near or to intermediate vergence. 1,2 Ideally, a true accommodating IOL has a single focal point in a static position, similar to a traditional monofocal IOL. The ability to see well at different distances emerges solely from physical changes in the lens as a result of the accommodative effort of the person implanted with the lens. A truly accommodative IOL has the potential to create a clear and sharp retinal image, unlike multifocal IOLs, which create multiple images, and serve as the best replacement for the aging crystalline lens. As discussed later, to achieve the goal of dynamically changing optical power, several methods were suggested. Some designs were brought to market, and some are still being used. As seen later, the full promise of the accommodating IOL is still to be delivered.